going deeper

Your guide to area fireworks

By: Rob

This year our nation celebrates its 242nd birthday! So if you're looking for a place to catch a poppin' good fireworks display nearby, we've put together this handy guide:

Washington, DC (July 4, 8-9:30pm) As is the norm, the areas biggest fireworks display happens on the National Mall during A Capitol Fourth. This is an event that everyone should do at least once if you're in the area. Just know, it's always packed. The concert takes place on the West Lawn of the Capitol, and this year will feature musical guests like The Beach Boys, Pentatonix, Andy Grammer, The Temptations, CeCe Winans, Jimmy Buffett, Joshua Bell, as well as the National Symphony Orchestra. Fireworks follow the concert at 9:00pm, and can be seen from many vantage points around the area in Northern Virginia and Maryland, as well as rooftops.

Mount Vernon (June 29 & 30, 6-9:45pm) George Washington's historic home with mansion tours, musical performances, and fireworks at 9:30pm each evening. And then on July 4, 8am-5pm, watch daytime fireworks over the Potomac, with military reenactments, a National Concert Band performance, and more.

Reston (June 30, 7am-9:45pm) Lake Fairfax Park (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive) with puppet show at 1:30pm, live music at 4:15, food vendors, and fireworks at 9:15pm.

Germantown (July 4, 7-9:45pm) South Germantown Recreation Park (14501 Schaeffer Road, Boyds) with live music at 7pm, followed by fireworks at 9:15pm.

Rockville (July 4, 7-9:45pm) Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park (1800 Piccard Drive in King Farm) with live music at 7pm with fireworks at 9:15pm.

Six Flags America (June 30-July 4) with fireworks near the park's Gotham City area at 9:15pm. Tickets are require to watch the show from inside the park.

Takoma Park (July 4, 10am-10pm) with a parade at 10am at Carroll and Ethan Allen avenues. Evening festivities start at 7pm at Takoma Park Middle School (7611 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring) with live music and fireworks at 9:30pm.